as in backwards
near, toward, or in the stern of a ship or the tail of an aircraft
if you turn around and look astern, you'll see dolphins following the boat
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for astern
Adverb
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Also of note is the Dusk Bar, which sits aft on Deck 10 and is stocked with interesting spirits.—
David Swanson,
Travel + Leisure,
27 May 2024 -
Open exterior decks forward and aft allow for a steady sea breeze, as the owner—who was last aboard his yacht in the summer of 2021—used to regularly enjoy.—
Julia Zaltzman,
Robb Report,
10 Feb. 2023
Adjective
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This comes after Williams suffered a car fire when Alex Albon’s machine was affected by a rear-brake issue.—
Alex Harrington,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
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The rear seat accommodates five, comfortable for four adults.—
Mark Phelan,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
Adverb
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His Joe Gibbs Racing teammate, Christopher Bell, is one place behind in fifth.—
Saajan Jogia,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
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As Black women mourn her loss and grapple with the realities of a capitalist system that devalues our lives and labor, we are comforted by the legacy Assata Shakur leaves behind.—
Essence,
Essence,
30 Sep. 2025
Adverb
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Video shows the two appear to have an interaction back at the driver's side door after Sanchez follows the man, who is seen walking backwards away from him.—
Jade Jackson,
IndyStar,
5 Oct. 2025
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Security footage then showed the driver walking backward away from the former quarterback, who followed him, the Indy Star reported.—
Bailey Richards,
PEOPLE,
5 Oct. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Astern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/astern. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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